Central Virginia Parks

Women are looking for affordable vacations where they can leave their hectic lifestyles behind. A three day weekend is just what the mind needs. Women’s Wellness Weekends at Virginia State Parks is just that place; we offer a picturesque setting where women can unwind and regain balance in their lives. 

Our wellness weekends offer a wide variety of workshops and outdoor activities for women of all ages.  Women participating in the upcoming weekend in April will enjoy activities such as fly fishing, yoga, aromatherapy, hiking, and kayaking.

The weekend begins on Friday, April 23rd with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, April 25th at noon. And it’s affordable.  Share your stay with friends or make new ones. You can also bring you RV or camp in the campground. No matter where you stay you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and the scenic views of Fairy Stone State Park. So call your girlfriends and make your plans today.  Call our reservation center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.

If you’re unable to attend this weekend, our next Women’s Wellness Weekend will be held in October at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland County.

When you enter the new visitor center at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park you’ll have the opportunity to see a magnificent painting by Virginian, Sidney E. King.  The painting depicts the moment that Union General Frank Wheaton troops descend the hill and prepare to cross Little Sailors Creek while Major Andrew Cowan’s twenty guns bombarded Confederate General Ewell’s position from the yard of the Hillsman farm house. The painting was once displayed in the yard of the Hillsman farm house until it was placed in storage to await restoration.  A few weeks ago, it found its permanent home in the visitor center.

Mr. King painted nearly 200 historical murals for National Park Service properties. He lived in Caroline County until his death in 2002 at the age of 95.

Join us at Pocahontas State Park during National Wildlife Week, March 15th –21st, for outdoor nature programs that will introduce you and your family to the wildlife found in the park.

Little Explorers, Thursday, March 18th, 10 – 11 a.m.

Does your child love learning about nature? Join us to make some crafts that will help our returning animal friends find food and nesting materials. Make some for the Nature Center and some to take home. Program is designed for children preschool and kindergarten ages.  Cost is $3 per child. Preregistration required.  For more information and to register, please call the park office at 796-4255.

A Walk in the Woods, Saturday, March 20th, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

The first day of spring should be celebrated outdoors. Grab your family and join us to search for signs that the woods are gearing up for this exciting season of birth and renewal. One mile moderate hike. Cost is $2/person or $6/family. Preregistration required.  For more information and to register, please call the park office at 796-4255.

An Evening with the Stars, Saturday, March 20th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join the Crew Astronomy Club for a guided tour of the night sky. Enjoy tales of the constellations, view distant galaxies through powerful telescopes and watch for meteors and satellites passing by. If skies are cloudy, join us for a fun astronomy program in the Heritage Center. Program is free but parking fees apply.  Preregistration required.  For more information and to register, please call the park office at 796-4255. Please meet at the boat ramp parking area at Swift Creek Lake

To view the complete list of events/programs at Pocahontas State Park during the month of March and April, please visit Virginia State Parks web site and click on park events.
 

Pocahontas State Park is hosting a Ladies Day Out program on Saturday, March 6th.  If you’re tried of all the snow and being cooped up in the house, come join us for a day of fun and adventure in the great outdoors!  Bring your girlfriends or make new girlfriends while enjoying a day designed just for you. 

The day will begin with a crash course in Geocaching. We’ll provide the GPS units.  This program is a high tech treasure hunt combined with a beautiful guided hike in the woods. Then we’ll all gather around the fire for a fire starting lesson and delicious cashew chili served with cornbread and for dessert – gourmet s’mores. 

Just when you think it can’t get any better than this, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring your creative talents in a wreath making workshop using natural materials found in the woods. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nature Center located at the park. Cost is $33 per person.  For more information, call the park office at 804-796-4255. Reservations required. 
 

Contributors to this article were Anne Reeder, Park Manager Twin Lakes State Park, Lee Wilcox, Program Support Tech Twin Lakes State Park, and Chris Calkins, Park Manager Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park.

Virginia State Parks is home to a park whose black history dates back to the depression era and the civil rights movement of the 50s.   During the early years of the Depression, the state began expanding the forest area buying land under the Resettlement Administration Program.  A Civilian Conservation Corps camp known as Camp Gallion was established in June 1933.  The camp was the headquarters for the CCC Company No. 1390, one of the few African-American CCC groups in the state.  Although the primary duty of the CCC workers was to build fire trails, the 1390 Company was credited with a number of other construction projects including the construction of the two dams that created Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake recreation areas.

According to local historian Greg Eanes the African-American CCC served as a pioneer in education, traditional and vocational, and offered many enrollees their first opportunities to learn skills that prepared young men for life.  The Camp Gallion library had over 600 books, four daily newspapers, two weekly newspapers and one monthly.  There was a camp newspaper, The Camp Gallion Dispatch, from 1935 to 1939.

From its inception in 1936 until 1950, the Virginia State Parks system made no accommodations for persons of African-American descent.  In 1948, during an era of racial segregation in the South, an African-American named Maceo Conrad Martin was denied admission to Staunton River State Park. Represented by legendary civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr., Martin filed suit challenging Virginia’s policy of providing state parks only for whites; the suit sought to establish “separate but equal” facilities for blacks.  This legal challenge led to a decision by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Development to expand facilities at an existing recreation area for African-Americans in Prince Edward County and turn it into a full fledged state park.
 

In January 1949, Governor William Tuck wrote a special appropriation totaling $195,000 for development of the new Prince Edward State Park for Negroes. Improvements undertaken at this time included the construction of an enlarged swimming area, expanded parking lots, new roads, six housekeeping cabins, a bathhouse, and a concession area.  The new park was opened to the public in June 1950, making it Virginia's eighth state park and the only pre-Civil Rights Era state park for African-Americans. 
 

The two parks, Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake, were run as two racially segregated parks until the early 1960s.  Even though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation, Prince Edward State Park and nearby Goodwin Lake Recreational Area continued to operate separately until they merged in 1976. As a result, Prince Edward-Goodwin Lake State Park was renamed Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.

 

The Lancer Park project was developed by Longwood University to provide a safer, shorter and more visually appealing commute for students who live at Lancer Park, a community made up of townhouses and apartments.  Installation of a pedestrian bridge (see photo) was recently completed.  The pedestrian bridge walkway will connect to a vehicular bridge that consists of two lanes, a pedestrian sidewalk and deceleration lanes.   This vehicular bridge passes over High Bridge Trail and will be the new entrance to Lancer Park. Completion of the project is expected sometime in late May 2010.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary spring fever is a listless, lazy, or restless feeling commonly associated with the beginning of spring.  Over the past several weeks, I’m finding myself daydreaming about warmer climates and the upcoming spring season in Virginia. This anticipation of blooming flowers and temperatures above 60 degrees was shattered when I learned Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we were told to look forward to six more weeks of winter!  I’ve decided to take a different approach to this situation and look at it as only SIX MORE WEEKS TIL SPRING!  I’m ready for spring fever and all the silliness that goes along with it. 

I’m also ready for the upcoming Women’s Wellness Weekend hosted by Virginia State Parks this spring  at Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart.  This weekend is a perfect opportunity for women of all ages to treat themselves to a weekend of pampering and fun activities.  Fairy Stone is a picturesque setting where you can unwind and regain balance in your life.  For the entire weekend, a wide variety of workshops, programs and outdoor activities will be offered.  The only decision you’re need to make is what programs to attend.  Participants will enjoy choosing between hiking, fly fishing, canoeing, yoga, aroma therapy, searching for fairy stones and outdoor photography just to name a few.  But don’t worry, there will be lots of time to socialize, relax and have fun.

The weekend begins on Friday, April 23rd with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, April 25th at noon. And it’s affordable.  The commuter program is $149 and includes dinner on Friday, three meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.  The full package includes meals plus two nights lodging and ranges in price from $180 to $332 depending on cabin size and the number of people in a cabin.  You can also bring your RV or camp in the campground. So call your girlfriends and make your reservations today.  Cabins go quickly!
 

If you are unable to attend this session, don’t worry the next Women’s Wellness Weekend will be held at Bear Creek Lake State Park the weekend of October 15th – 17th, 2010.  

For more information or for reservation, call 800-933-7275 or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
 

A section of trail at High Bridge Trail State Park will close on Wednesday, February 24th due to installation of a vehicular bridge by Longwood University.  Park closures will take place between Farmville Train Station and Buffalo Creek.  Temporary closures will also occur periodically until March 3rd.  

The Lancer Park project was developed by Longwood University to provide a safer, shorter and more visually appealing commute for students who live at Lancer Park, a community made up of townhouses and apartments.  Installation of a pedestrian bridge (see photo) was recently completed.
 

The pedestrian bridge walkway will connect to a vehicular bridge that consists of two lanes, a pedestrian sidewalk and deceleration lanes.   This vehicular bridge passes over High Bridge Trail and will be the new entrance to Lancer Park. Completion of the project is expected sometime in late May 2010.

Winter break is upon us and we’re all wondering what to do with the kids.  The park naturalist at Pocahontas State Park has the perfect solution to every Mom’s dilemma on how to keep the kids occupied during winter break.  Winter Rangers Mini-Camp is a program similar to the Junior Ranger program offered during the summer.  Participants ages 6 to 12 will explore the winter forests, learn new outdoor skills, make crafts, have campfires and meet our friendly Nature Center animals.  The mini-camp is held Monday, December 21st and Tuesday, December 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Each child must bring a bag lunch and wear clothes appropriate for the weather.  Cost is $30 per child.  Prepayment is necessary.  Please call the park office at 804-796-4255 to register. 

For those of us who want to work off those extra pounds earned over the Christmas holiday the Pathways to the Past: Beaver Lake Trail hike will take place on Saturday, December 26th from 2 – 4 p.m.  It’s a 2.5 mile moderate guided hike around Beaver Lake.  We will enjoy the winter terrain and explore the history of the park.  Cost is $2 per person or $6 for a family.  No parking fees apply.  For more information and to register, please call the park office at 804-796-4255.
 

This weekend Pocahontas State Park will host several programs that are guaranteed to put your family in the mood for winter outdoor activities.  We’ll share with you the mysteries of winter outdoor exploration that even the seasoned outdoor enthusiast will enjoy!

Geocaching 101 will be held on Saturday, December 12th from 10 – 11:30 a.m.  Park naturalist will teach participants how to use a hand-held GPS to find treasures in the woods!  All ages are invited.  Cost is $3/person or $8/family. Hand-held GPS devices are provided.  No parking fee applies. Approximately 1 mile hike. Meet at the Horner Forest Trail parking area off of Qualla Road on the west side of the park.

Winter Walk in the Woods will be held Saturday, December 12th from 4 - 5:30 p.m.  Participants will discover how the plants and animals of the woods have prepared themselves for the cold weather.  All ages are invited. Cost is $2/person or $6/family. Approximately 2.5 moderate hike. No parking fees apply. Meet at the boat ramp.

Nature Crafts: Christmas Ornaments activity will be held on Sunday, December 13th from 2 – 3:30 p.m. join us at our Nature Center to make beautiful ornaments to keep or give as gifts.  We will even make some edible ornaments for our feathered friends to hang outside the Nature Center! Cost is $5/person. All ages. No parking fees apply.

For more information and to make reservations, please call the park office at 804-796-4255.
 

Celebrate Christmas during the 1860s in Southside Virginia at the Hillsman Farm House Museum on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th.  See the Hillsman home adorned with traditional decorations of the Civil War period.  Living historians will tell of how the families of Southside Virginia celebrated the holiday during the war.  A Victorian Santa Claus will visit with children to hear their wish list.  The event will be held at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park from 12 to 5 p.m. on both days.  Free Admission. For more information, call the park office at 434-315-0349.  The park is located on Route 617 (Saylor’s Creek Road) off Route 307 in Amelia County.

A special “volunteer hug” goes out to a group of volunteers from Longwood University’s Greek Society.  One hundred students came out to High Bridge Trail State Park on a beautiful fall Saturday to help park staff with various tasks.  The group volunteered to transplant 50 cedar and pine trees, spread mulch, clear brush/debris and pick up trash.  These efforts help create a more pleasing setting on the downtown Farmville section of High Bridge Trail. The park staff of High Bridge Trail greatly appreciates all their volunteer efforts.
 

A special "volunteer hug" goes out to a group of volunteers from Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.  Finance Division who spent a beautiful fall day at Pocahontas State Park.  The group volunteered to do several tasks including raking and blowing leaves.  Group Leader Richard Snead said this volunteer effort was part of a Hamilton Beach environmental initiative.  Hamilton Beach employees were given the opportunity to participate in a “Charitable Day Off” to volunteer at a location of their choice.  The park staff at Pocahontas greatly appreciated all their volunteer efforts.   

The “sister” groups of Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park held a social on Sunday, November 16th at the new visitor center at SCBHSP.   Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton announced six additional miles of trails at HBTSP are now open.
 

Virginia Association for Parks President Johnny Finch announced a fund raising effort by VAFP is underway for a technology based exhibit for the new visitor center.  This exhibit will use state of the art storytellers to tell the story of two Union and Confederate soldiers who were wounded at the battle of Sailor’s Creek and were taken to the Hillsman farm house to recuperate.
 

Friends of HBTSP member Jo Smith gave a slide presentation on the history of High Bridge.  Jo is the author of “History of High Bridge.” 
 

SCHSP volunteers, Judy McParland and Marie Banton, were recognized for their volunteer efforts by receiving a “Volunteer Appreciation Award” by park manager Chris Calkins.  Also park interpreter Meg Banton received a "Customer Service for Excellence" award.

An additional six miles of trail are now open at High Bridge Trail State Park from Prospect to Route 660 near Pamplin.  This brings total mileage open to 22 miles from just outside Pamplin (Route 660) to the end of High Bridge in Cumberland County. High Bridge Trail State Park is a 33.8 mile multi-use trail that runs through three counties and five towns in Central Virginia.

Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River.  High Bridge is registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark. Park Manager Eric Hougland is excited about announcing the additional miles, “Trails continue to be a great resource for improving the quality of life and I’m glad we are opening more of the park for the community.” 

Trail visitors can access the trail at Route 660 near Pamplin, Elam, Prospect, Tuggle, municipal parking in Farmville, Osborne Road and River Road.  High Bridge Trail State Park is a perfect place for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders  to enjoy the beauty of Central Virginia. For more information on the trail, please call the park office at 434-315-0457.

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host “A Ceremony on Hallowed Ground” to commemorate Veterans Day.  Park visitors are invited to participate in the lighting of 500 luminaries placed through the scene of some of the heaviest fighting during the battle, fought April 6, 1865, on the Hillsman farm.  The interpreter program is a commemorative ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in the fields and bottomlands of Sailor’s Creek.  Historians in period dress will tell of the lives lost and those changed by the battle.  Tours are scheduled to run every hour on the hour starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.  Parking for the event will be at the field next to the Confederate Overlook. Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights.  This event may be cancelled due to bad weather.  For more information and weather cancellation updates, please call 434-294-6891. Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is on the National Register of Historical Places and listed as a National Historic Landmark.  The park is located in Amelia County on Route 617 (Saylers Creek Road).
 

Enjoy the enchanting sounds of the Richmond Symphony as Pocahontas Premieres concert series nears its end on Saturday, September 19th at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Amphitheater located in Pocahontas State Park.  Concert is FREE.  A $5 parking fee applies. Bring the whole family and listen to great music while enjoying the outdoors.  Food and beverages are available. Classical Melodies II is sponsored by Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation. 

For directions and more information call 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Join us for a Labor Day celebration with a late afternoon performance by the 380th United States Army Reserve Band on Saturday, September 5th at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Amphitheater.

The 380th United States Army Reserve Band is stationed in Richmond and provides musical support for both military functions and community events by performing as a concert band, marching band, and jazz band.  The band also has several specialized small ensembles.  It is also an integral part of the 99th Regional Command.

Admission is FREE. A $5 parking fee applies.  Food and beverages are available. The Heritage Amphitheater is located at Pocahontas State Park on 10301 State Park Road in Chesterfield County.  For more information, call the park office at 804-796-4255 or 1-800-933-PARK.

Looking out on the Potomac River atop the Horsehead Cliffs of Westmoreland State Park it’s plain to see why this park is the location for the upcoming Women’s Wellness Weekend.  The view of the Potomac River is spectacular. Bald eagles soar among the clouds.  Women increasingly look for this type of destination where they can leave their mile-a-minute lifestyles behind and treat themselves to a “getaway” weekend.  Women’s Wellness Weekends at Virginia State Parks is just that place; we offer a picturesque setting where women can unwind and regain balance in their lives. 

Our wellness weekends offer a wide variety of workshops and outdoor activities for women of all ages.  Women participating in the upcoming weekend in September will enjoy activities such as fly fishing, yoga, tai chi, aromatherapy, hiking, stress reduction, and kayaking. The weekend begins on Friday, September 25th with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, September 27th at noon. And it’s affordable.  The commuter program is $149. Depending on size of the cabin and the number of people sharing it, full packages with lodging run from $172 to $290.
 

Share your stay with friends or make new ones. All lodging is smoke-free. You can also bring you RV or camp in the campground. No matter where you stay you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and the scenic views of the Potomac. So call your girlfriends and make your plans today.  Call our reservation center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.

National Park Service Civil War historians emerged onto Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park on Thursday, August 13th to tour the park and meet with park manager Chris Calkins.  The tour was part of a series of informational field trips that NPS Civil War historians took this summer.  The purpose of the field trip was to get orientated with the park and the history of the battle of Sailor’s Creek.

"With our aim being to develop Sailor’s Creek Battlefield into a first-class historical state park, tying ourselves into the knowledge of our sister battlefields helps our visitors understand the seamless stories we convey between us,” said Calkins.

During their visit, historians toured the visitor center and Hillsman Farm House Museum, attended a presentation by Calkins on the park’s exhibits and development plans, and took a caravan tour of Lee’s Retreat.  Historians taking part in the tour were from the national parks of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Manassas, Appomattox, Richmond and Antietam.